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Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music

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BM in Performance - Conducting

The William D. Hall and Marybelle and Sebastian P. Musco Conservatory of Music is one of the few schools in the nation to offer an undergraduate degree in conducting (BM in performance, conducting emphasis - instrumental). The Hall-Musco Conservatory is unique in that conducting students have the opportunity to conduct a full size orchestra on a regular basis as part of their studies. Instrumental conducting students can potentially work with The Chapman Orchestra and Wind Symphony. In addition, a laboratory orchestra, comprised largely of instrumental performance majors, affords hands-on experience on a weekly basis.

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Instrumental Conducting

The instrumental conducting curriculum features intensive concentration in a number of important subject areas, including score study and analysis, score reading, aural skills, repertoire, gestural analysis and rehearsal techniques.

Students are also instructed in the proper preparation of orchestral parts and are expected to intern in the Instrumental Music Library. This thorough approach to musical development provides students with a firm grounding in the materials and techniques they will need as mature artists.

All components of the program are designed to culminate in the senior recital, a public concert which the student plans, rehearses, and conducts with one of the large instrumental ensembles. The rigorous program is designed to prepare students for careers as exemplary school band and orchestra conductors, or to assist in gaining acceptance to any of the leading graduate conducting programs in the United States and abroad.

Students desiring to major in instrumental conducting must first apply for candidacy and after successfully completing Instrumental Conducting I and II (MUS 452 and MUS 453), may be considered for admission into the major. Admission into the instrumental conducting program is highly selective; the limited number of accepted students ensures regular podium time.

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Program Learning Outcomes

PLO1: MusicianshipThe student will demonstrate fluent musicianship skills, including an understanding of music theory, proficiency with aural skills and sight reading, knowledge of different musical styles and historical eras, a demonstration of basic piano skills, the ability to rehearse and perform collaboratively and contribute to an ensemble, proficiency with basic music technology and an understanding and demonstration of basic improvisation techniques.

PLO2: PerformanceThe student will acquire performance skills as a soloist on his or her main instrument, including knowledge in technique, historically appropriate performance styles and repertoire and sight reading.

PLO3: LeadershipThe student will observe and experience leadership roles and professional opportunities, in order to prepare for a career as a performer.

PLO4: PedagogyThe student will employ pedagogical techniques and skills relevant to his or her instrument family.